Our Historical Walkthrough on Gangs in New Zealand explains how national and international policies and events have impacted on the formation and evolution of gangs in Aotearoa.
Delivered by Harry Tam, this walkthrough unpacks the whakapapa of violence that gave rise to gang communities. He shows how historical events, policies, and environments have repeatedly exposed hard-to-reach communities to structural harm while limiting access to the protective factors that build resilience. Faced with this cumulative trauma, people in these communities have developed coping mechanisms necessary for survival, many of which are reflected in the violence, addiction, crime, self-harm, and alienation affecting gang whānau today.
Harry offers a rare insight into the history of gangs. He spent his youth living among first-generation gang members in Newtown, Wellington, before working alongside some of our country's leading policymakers. This dual perspective enables him to speak about the realities of intergenerational trauma and institutionalisation, and pinpoint the political systems and decisions that have perpetuated harm and increased suicide vulnerability among hard-to-reach whānau.
Delivered by Harry Tam, this walkthrough unpacks the whakapapa of violence that gave rise to gang communities. He shows how historical events, policies, and environments have repeatedly exposed hard-to-reach communities to structural harm while limiting access to the protective factors that build resilience. Faced with this cumulative trauma, people in these communities have developed coping mechanisms necessary for survival, many of which are reflected in the violence, addiction, crime, self-harm, and alienation affecting gang whānau today.
Harry offers a rare insight into the history of gangs. He spent his youth living among first-generation gang members in Newtown, Wellington, before working alongside some of our country's leading policymakers. This dual perspective enables him to speak about the realities of intergenerational trauma and institutionalisation, and pinpoint the political systems and decisions that have perpetuated harm and increased suicide vulnerability among hard-to-reach whānau.
This video was recorded during a Walkthrough presentation organised by the Salvation Army in Wellington. We thank the Salvation Army for their assistance with recording and editing this video.
How the walkthough can support your work in the community
The Historical Walkthrough on Gangs in New Zealand brings to focus the lack of targeted initiatives that support hard-to-reach communities. These initiatives are crucial given the alarming rates of suicide and interpersonal harm they experience.
To support your work in the community in a real and practical way, Harry will unpack the Youth Development Framework in the final section of the walkthrough. He will bring to life the core elements of the Framework that strengthen resilience in young people and show how they can be applied in everyday community settings—such as strengths-based suicide prevention programmes.
This approach is centred on helping young people develop:
Such an approach shifts the focus from crisis intervention to lasting resilience and wellbeing.
The walkthrough also helps build understanding of the roots of harmful behaviours often associated with gangs and gang whānau. With this insight, participants are better equipped to challenge these behaviours in meaningful ways and to support others to rethink assumptions that these behaviours are simply part of these communities.
To support your work in the community in a real and practical way, Harry will unpack the Youth Development Framework in the final section of the walkthrough. He will bring to life the core elements of the Framework that strengthen resilience in young people and show how they can be applied in everyday community settings—such as strengths-based suicide prevention programmes.
This approach is centred on helping young people develop:
- a sense of industry and competence;
- identity and belonging;
- strong connections; and
- control over their own lives.
Such an approach shifts the focus from crisis intervention to lasting resilience and wellbeing.
The walkthrough also helps build understanding of the roots of harmful behaviours often associated with gangs and gang whānau. With this insight, participants are better equipped to challenge these behaviours in meaningful ways and to support others to rethink assumptions that these behaviours are simply part of these communities.
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Book a Walkthrough with Harry
Harry has delivered the Historical Walkthrough on Gangs in New Zealand across the motu, from Auckland to Mataura, Southland. It has been attended by over 250 hard-to-reach whānau and more than 300 health and social service providers. Audiences have also included the Police, university students, and charitable trusts.
Topics covered in the walkthrough include:
Following each walkthrough, Harry dedicates time for a Q&A session and provides an opportunity for participants to share their knowledge, experiences and reflections.
Topics covered in the walkthrough include:
- European settlers and WWII;
- Post-war economics and urban drift;
- The rise of Indigenous ethnic gangs;
- Youth Culture and Moral Panic;
- State abuse and a tikanga of violence;
- The enduring effects of trauma, including suicide and interpersonal harm;
- The socialisation of our young people; and
- The Youth Development Framework as a means of looking forward.
Following each walkthrough, Harry dedicates time for a Q&A session and provides an opportunity for participants to share their knowledge, experiences and reflections.
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